Top Free Things To Do In Fremantle

Fremantle is a popular tourist destination some 20km south of Perth. Being the home of some of the earliest settlers in Australia – not to mention those early days as a convict penal colony – it is a city filled with a rich history. There’s so much to see and do in Fremantle, and some activities and places are even FREE! Perth Mums Group has put together a handy list of the top free things to do in Fremantle.

Esplanade ParkAddress: Marine Terrace, Fremantle.

This gorgeous park is popular with families due to it’s huge amount of shade, thanks to around 100 mature Norfolk Island Pines that provide a lovely shadow from the sun. It also has a playground, which is also mostly shaded, plus the Fremantle Tourist Wheel (unfortunately not free) and is close to the heart of Fremantle.

Located within the grounds of Esplanade Park is the Esplanade Youth Plaza, which includes an impressive skate park, which is suitable for skateboarding, BMX biking and scooter riding. It also has a table tennis area and has both hard and soft design elements. It has quickly become a hub for families and skate enthusiasts alike.

Fremantle Library is home to a number of free activities for kids, including Baby Rhyme Time every Wednesday or Friday (school terms only) at 9:30am for children aged up to two years, Storytime every Thursday at 10am for ages two to five and the Reading Rewards Program for year one students.

Bathers Beach and South Beach are both immensely popular destinations for Perth families. Bathers Beach is located right in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, while South Beach boasts a public reserve with a playground, a café and a dedicated dog beach.

Pay a visit to Monument HillAddress: Corner and High and Bateman Street, Fremantle.

Monument Hill is home to the Fremantle War Memorial. It is a short walk from the Fremantle town centre and is a stunning location to reflect on the memorial and pay respects to Perth’s fallen soldiers.

Entry to the Shipwreck Galleries is technically free, but a donation is always appreciated to help continue funding this important preservation of Fremantle’s marine history. The museum features long term exhibits, including artefacts from the infamous Batavia mutiny of 1629.

While you will be required to provide a donation to enter the Roundhouse (who’s going to miss that loose change from the car, anyway?) you can spend an hour or so simply wandering the Roundhouse grounds, which is free to do. The Roundhouse is the oldest public building in Fremantle and was used as a prison from 1831 to 1886. It provides a fascinating look into Fremantle’s early history.

Both the iconic Fremantle Markets and E-Shed Markets are free to enter – how much you spend is up to you. At the Fremantle Markets, you can buy a range of locally made goods, arts and crafts, fruits and vegetables, or behold the wonders of the street performers who put on a show outside the markets on the weekend.

Over at the E-Shed Markets, you can also buy a range of goods, arts, craft and clothing and enjoy a meal or ice cream from the food court. Browsing, of course, will cost you nothing.

Image: Fremantle Markets Facebook page.

Fremantle is a great place to take the kids and spend a day exploring or simply chilling out in the park. There’s something suitable for all tastes and budgets and a heap of activities that won’t break the bank.